A look at the Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D as a high quality budget lens for black and white film.

… in which I try out one of Nikon's cheapest and longest running lenses on the streets of Hong Kong and Perth to see what all the fuss is about. Everyone talks about the 'nifty fifty' as the next step up from the ignominy of cheap kit zoom lenses. They're cheap and let in more light. But does this Nikon offer an inexpensive entry into the magic of low light 35mm photography or does its plastic construction come with too many optical compromises?

While it may lack the reputation and glamour of more expensive lenses, it's relatively sharp and if the bokeh isn't exactly creamy, well… it does have some character. Let's see if this really is the plasticest fantasticest budget prime on the block.

Camera: Nikon FE
Lens: Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D
Locations: Hong Kong | Perth, Western Australia
Film: Ilford HP5 pushed to 1600 | Kentmere 100
Dates: December 2024 | February 2025

Web: https://markmcmahon.me
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